Confusion remains as to what level of meth contamination in a property is deemed acceptable.
At this time, there is no ‘legal’ level of meth contamination. Nor has it been definitively determined what is a ‘safe’ level of meth contamination. What is deemed acceptable, varies depending on context.
No meth is best
Most people, want property with no meth residues in whatsoever. This is increasingly impracticable in New Zealand.
The lower the better
Where meth residues are present, then the rule of thumb is that the lower the level, the better. This desire is understandable. However, it is more and emotional than rational response. Very low levels of meth are not known to affect a person’s health.
Official frameworks of reference
What constitutes a ‘very low level of meth’ has yet to be formally settled. In New Zealand, there are two frameworks of reference:
- New Zealand Standard – NZS8510:2017 – acceptable level 1.5µg/100cm2
- Government Policy Level 2018 – acceptable level 15µg/100cm2
New Zealand Standard NZS8510:2017
This Standard was released in 2017. This remains the framework used to determine the best practice process to be followed when meth contamination is found.
- Acceptable level 1.5µg/100cm2
- Developed under the Standards and Accreditation Act – independent of government
- Science to support level provided by ESR
- In line with highest levels overseas
- x3 higher than level used in Australia
Used to determine acceptability by;
- Tenancy Tribunal where reason to suspect manufacture,
- most insurers,
- banks,
- Some local authorities for all meth contamination
- All local authorities where there is reason to suspect attempts at manufacture
- most people who are comfortable with some meth residues in property.
Government Policy Level 2018
- Acceptable level 15µg/100cm2
- Developed on behalf of government
- Science provided by Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor
- x10 higher than NZ Standard and highest level used overseas
- x30 higher than Australia.
Used to determine acceptability by;
- Government agencies with responsibility for property
- Tenancy Tribunal where meth related behaviour limited to use alone
- Some local authorities where meth related behaviour is limited to use alone
- Some insurers.
‘Safe’ levels of meth contamination of property
This remains uncertain due to limited research having been completed. This is the reason we reference ‘acceptable’ rather than ‘safe’ levels of meth.
Flinders University (Australia) has done some research into the impact of low levels of meth residues on the health and wellbeing of occupants who do not use meth. For many people, levels were well within the level of 15µg/100cm2 that underpins the Government Policy Level 2018. ESR have assessed this research. ESR have noted the research is ‘suggestive of a causal relationship’.
So, there is evidence to suggest a link between levels of meth less than 15µg/100cm2 and adverse health responses. This is contrary to the advice that supports the Government Policy Level 2018.
There is no evidence to suggest adverse health responses occur where levels of meth contamination are less than 1.5µg/100cm2.
Despite this, Australia maintains a precautionary approach and uses a figure of 0.5µg/100cm2 as the basis for making decisions around decontamination. This level is adopted in Australia, because within the wording of the Guidelines developed for remediation of clandestine meth labs, specific written advice is provided to use the level of 0.5µg/100cm2 to make decisions around decontamination. use of this.
What level should you use?
The prudent approach is to keep levels as low as possible. This is where testing between tenancies for rentals and prior to sale and purchase is of value. Issues can be addressed, and harm minimised.
While not specifically referenced in law, the entity with specific authority to enforce acceptable levels is the local authority. Which framework of reference is used to determine acceptable meth residue levels varies around the country.
If you are uncertain which level you should use, check with your local authority.